96 cherokee on the lot. what is your opinion?

[85xjwoody]

I found a 96 cherokee four door at a local used car lot. I would like some opinions as to what you think it is worth with the list of mods that are on it that I will list below. They have it listed for $4995.00 and we were going to offer $4000.00. Let me know if you think this is a reasonable offer. I will post pictures tomorrow after it is purchased. I didn't have a chance to get any photos today. Here is the list:

Engine 4.0h.o with 98,000. Lower end knock in rear of engine on cold running and is minor after warm.
Four speed auto tranny shifted very good.
231 t/c with AA slip yoke eliminator.
d30/8.25 axles open.
Rusty's 6.5 lift kit which includes, coils, rear springs, upper and lower control arms with drop brackets, all heavy duty steering added, front sway quick discos, brake line extentions, and possibly more.
Two inch BB with spacers in front and shackles in the rear.
Custom rear bumper that wraps around and has 2" rec.
33"X12.5" mud king tires on black steel rims

There is very, very minor rust on passenger side rear door and that is all. Truck rode very nice down the highway and street roads also. No vibes anywhere. Underside is very clean. No signs of any damage anywhere. No mud in the tight spots, no dents anywhere and very minor scratches. To me this is a clean truck that was not beat on the trails and was used as a DD. Let me know what you think please. I don't want to pass this by if it is a good deal.
If any questions let me know.

Kim.

 

[DrMoab]

You sure its a knock in the moter and not just regular piston slap? I know they sound just like a knock.

 

[Cottontail]

If I were in your shoes, I would find something a little higher mileage for about half that and built it myself.

I have NEVER had the slightest inclination to buy a "ready made" Jeep, due to the possibility of buying someone else's problems.

As far as the lifts and all the specs go, I couldn't tell you, but you wanted opinions, and my opinion is walk away and don't turn around for a second look.

 

[85xjwoody]

You sure its a knock in the moter and not just regular piston slap? I know they sound just like a knock.

I was listening from top and bottom and the knock was coming from the lower rear of the engine which makes me think that it might be a rod bearing. Not sure but sounds like my 2.5 rod bearing knock.

Kim.

 

[85xjwoody]

Cottontail, I agree with you because I would also prefer to build my own. But the person that will be purchasing this is new to wheeling but has mechanical skills and is very interested in this vehicle. I think it would be a great starter for him for the money.

Kim.

 

[GSequoia]

If that's confirmed knock I would not buy it.

Think of it this way... The 4.0 is very hard to kill...

98k on that engine and it's knocking?

That screams abused Jeep..

 

[85xjwoody]

When I drove this jeep yesterday I was heavy on the gas to see what problems would come up. No problems came up. I thought that with that knock being there it would of gotten worse with the higher rpm's but when we brought the jeep back it was quieter. I will be going to the car lot in about 40 minutes and I will check out that knock again. Maybe it is only piston slap but don't know for sure. I will not let my friend buy this jeep if the knock has something to do with the bearings.
If this jeep was beat by the previous owner than he only did it on the streets because there is no sign of any off road damage anywhere. I know, this jeep could of still been taken off road, but if it has it was not very much at all. I put it in 4lo yesterday and did some tight turning while on the gas kindof hard and no noises or problems anywhere. I will post up later today to let everyone know how it went at the car lot. Thanks for everyone input on this.

Kim.

 

[XJ Eric]

Hey just last year I paid $4500 for a 98 with the same mileage. 98 Cherokee sport power everything, regular 4.0 and chrysler rear. Tinted rear windows and rear defrost. Oh and keyless entry to boot.

With the lift I'd say it's worth the money.

 

[DSN46]

Just bought (three weeks ago) a 96 XJ Country. It has all power everything and tow package with Trak-Lok rearend. Excellent (I mean it was owned by a 70 year old couple who used it for groceries) condition with every service record from the day it was born in a folder. 120,000 miles with a little knocking when first started.

I paid $4100.00 for it and feel good about it.

The big question is, would I buy a pre-lifted vehicle from a dealer? No.
I have lifted and wheeled 4X4's of all makes; some I abused, some just a "little muddin" on the weekends. I sold these vehicles personally, and could walk around it and tell the new owner everything I had done and how I did it. This way, they are informed and feel comfortable about the purchase. Plus, I had no problems giving them my number and telling them they could call me if they had a question about anything "qwerky" on the truck.

Now, you aren't going to get this kind of personal one-on-one with the person who modified it from a dealer... that is what makes me nervous about buying a pre-lifted vehicle from a dealer.

If you are very knowledgable about lifts and what you should be looking for in the way of fabrication or installation, then I say go for it cause you are informed. If it's the "cool factor" (and I know its there... been there) that attracts you, and you don't really know what you are looking at, then walk away from it. Find a stock one you KNOW has never been abused or modified in some dangerous way and then modify it yourself.

Just my .02.

Good Luck!